Q: The nine Singapore-bound armoured vehicles seized by Hong Kong customs last week were said to have come back from a military exercise in Taiwan. Has the Chinese side lodged representations with the Singaporean side?

A: The Chinese side has lodged representations with the Singaporean side, asking them to act in strict accordance with relevant laws of the Hong Kong SAR and cooperate with the SAR government to properly deal with follow-up matters. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to any forms of official interaction between Taiwan and countries that have diplomatic relations with us, military exchanges and cooperation included. We require the Singaporean government to stick to the one China principle.

Q: Who will attend the funeral of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro as the representative of the Chinese government?

A: We deeply mourn the passing of Comrade Fidel Castro, Cuba's revolutionary leader. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President Xi Jinping has sent the message of condolences to Comrade Raul Castro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, and Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council also did so to President Raul. We are preparing for attendance at memorial events.

We are convinced that under the strong leadership of President Raul, the Cuban party, government and people will carry forward the will of Comrade Fidel Castro, turn grief into strength and continue to make new achievements in the cause of developing socialism. The friendship between the two parties, two countries and two peoples will continue to be consolidated and developed.

Q: The Philippine immigration authorities reportedly detained a group of Chinese citizens suspected of working illegally for a gambling website on November 24. Could you give us more details about this case and the response by the Chinese government?

A: On November 24, the Philippine Immigration Bureau detained a large number of Chinese citizens in an operation against illegal online gambling. After learning about the incident, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines immediately sent officials to the site overnight, requiring the Philippines to properly settle the detained personnel, speed up the identity verification progress, release people who have legal identity with no delay, take concrete measures to protect the safety and provide humanitarian treatment to personnel involved, and handle the case in a timely and just manner according to law. At present, part of the Chinese citizens have already been released, the others are still waiting for further verification.

The Chinese government always requires its citizens abroad to live and work in accordance with local laws and regulations, not to participate or engage in activities that may impair their own rights and interests, such as gambling. Meanwhile, we are highly concerned about the Philippine side's detention of a large number of Chinese citizens. We will continue to monitor closely the development of the situation, keep in touch with the Philippine side, and urge the Philippine side to properly settle the matter without delay.

Q: According to the Japanese media, the Japanese Defense Ministry has set up a panel to discuss ways to reinforce its missile defense system. Issues including the introduction of THAAD and other new military equipment from the US will be discussed. Japan is also expected to nail down a blueprint on missile defense by next summer. What is China's response to that?

A: We are concerned about the report. China's position on the deployment of THAAD is clear and unchanged. Due to what happened in the history, Japan's move in the field of military and security is closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. We hope that the Japanese side will act with caution and play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability of the region, rather than the opposite.

The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is complex and sensitive. Relevant parties should act in the interest of regional peace and stability and stay committed to resolving the relevant issue through political and diplomatic means, instead of making use of the issue in pursuit of things harmful for security of other countries and stability of the region.

Q: It is heard that the number of DPRK nationals coming into China to work at factories and restaurants has decreased. Can you confirm that and tell us whether China has tightened any kind of regulations that allow DPRK nationals to come to work in China?

A: I am not aware of that. Competent Chinese authorities always handle the relevant issue in accordance with the law and regulation.

Q: Which Chinese leader will attend the funeral of Fidel Castro? Separately, in light of recent Yuan depreciation, will China take more aggressive measures to curb large overseas direct investment or mergers and acquisitions?

A: On your first question, as I just said, the Chinese side is preparing for attendance at memorial events. We will release the information in due course.

On your second question, today, officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, the People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange have answered the question about China's outbound investment. I suggest that you search online for the details.